Here in the Buckeye State, there’s nothing like a day at your favorite lake, and luckily we’re sharing several today in this list of best lakes in Ohio! Maybe you need some quiet fishing time. Maybe you’d like a simple beach day with the family. Whatever your need is for a day out on the lake, we understand. The following are 10 of our favorite lakes in Ohio. Chances are, at least one of these lakes is just an hour’s drive time (or less) away from you. See how many you’ve been to before and which ones belong on your outdoor bucket list:

1. Rose Lake (Hocking County)
Rose Lake, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA
Mathieu Thouvenin/Flickr
Just outside of one of Ohio's most beloved hiking spots (Old Man's Cave) is the Hocking Hills Reservoir, locally named Rose Lake. It is a truly serene spot that's perfect for a peaceful canoe or kayak adventure.
2. Mosquito Lake (Trumbull County)
Mosquito Creek Lake, Ohio, USA
Jack Pearce/Flickr
This large reservoir in northeast Ohio is a great spot for some peaceful boating, fishing and family time. As one of the largest lakes in Ohio, it covers 7,000 acres. Camp at Mosquito Lake State Park or rent a yurt and make a weekend stay out of your visit.
3. Lake Erie (various counties)
Lake Erie, Lake Erie
Mark K./Flickr
Ohio's very own Great Lake serves as our own special sort of ocean here. There are several beaches along this beloved lake that are picture perfect when you need a beach day. Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor features one of Lake Erie's best beaches, as it's Ohio's longest natural sand beach.
4. Indian Lake (Lakeview)
Indian Lake Kayak, 13627 N, OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
Mwietro/Trip Advisor
At Indian Lake State Park, much of the the campground is nestled right along the water, giving you easy access to several water activities. It's a 5,000-acre manmade lake with two public beach areas designated for swimming, Old Field Beach and Fox Island Beach.
5. Portage Lakes (Summit County)
Portage Lakes, OH 44319, USA
John Stockton/Flickr
If fishing is one of your favorite spring and summer activities, then Portage Lake is your ideal lake. Largemouth bass abound within these six lakes, which cover 2,000 acres and stretch for more than six miles of shoreline.

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6. William H. Harsha Lake (Clermont County)
William H Harsha Lake, Ohio, USA
Keith Robinson/Flickr
Formerly known as East Fork Lake and the site of two abandoned gold mines, William H. Harsha Lake is well-known for its beautiful falls and Ordovician fossil beds. You'll find it on the East Fork of the Little Miami River in Clermont County.
7. Rocky Fork Lake (Hillsboro)
Rocky Fork Lake, Ohio 45133, USA
Rocky Fork Lake / Facebook
Within Rocky Fork State Park, you'll find a picturesque lake that makes a great summer day trip destination. There are two large public beaches alongside the lake, which covers a total of 2,080 acres. If you enjoy fishing, you'll find an abundance of bass, bluegill, crappie, saugeye, white bass and catfish at Rocky Fork Lake.
8. Silver Lake (New Paris)
Silver Lake, New Paris, OH 45347, USA
Natural Springs Resort/Facebook
Natural Springs Resort in New Paris, Ohio is a lesser-known gem that features a beautiful, spring-fed lake. The gorgeous spring-fed Silver Lake makes a fun swimming hole for visitors and campers alike. It's surrounded by beautiful rock formations that are remnants of the resort's quarry days.
9. Tappan Lake (Uhrichsville)
Uhrichsville, OH 44683, USA
Betacommand/Wikimedia Commons
Near a restored Indian village at Shoenbrunn State Park and the outdoor historical drama, "Trumpet in the Land," Tappan Lake serves as a popular camping destination. While you're here, be sure to check out the Moravian Trail Scenic Byway in addition to the usual camping activities available here such as boating, swimming and hiking.
10. Lake Hope (McArthur)
Lake Hope, Brown Township, OH 45651, USA
TripAdvisor / Richard J
Within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest in McArthur, you'll find the quiet, peaceful Lake Hope State Park and its little-known beach. The park is centered around this 120-acre lake, which you'll find on Big Sandy Run.

Have you been to any of these lakes before? What other bodies of water would you add to this list of best lakes in Ohio? Share your thoughts, photos, and experiences with us!

For more waterfront adventures and fun things to do in Ohio, check out our previous article: 8 Lazy Rivers In Ohio That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day.

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Best Lakes in Ohio

Sarah M. | June 12, 2022

What's the clearest and cleanest lake in Ohio?

There are some jaw-dropping and immensely beautiful lakes in Ohio. In terms of clearest and cleanest, many of the above best lakes in Ohio qualify, but at the top of the list is definitely Nelson Ledges Quarry in Ohio. A bit about Nelson Ledges Quarry:

  • This is a hidden gem with some of the most beautiful water we’ve ever seen. The quarry is spring-fed, meaning the water is crystal clear and always wonderfully refreshing.
  • If the outside temperature is above 70 degrees and sunny, the quarry is an excellent swimming spot.
  • Even if you're not swimming or floating in the water, the lake makes a stunning backdrop to a myriad of outdoor activities: camping, snorkeling (yes -- in Ohio!), hiking, picnicking... the list goes on (and on!).
  • We especially love this beautiful destination for lakeside camping in Ohio; there's really no better place in the summertime!

 

What are some other beautiful lakes in Ohio?

Here in Ohio, we're all about lake life, whether you're in the Southwest corner of the state, landlocked in Columbus, or living up near the Third Coast. Summertime can be one of the most exciting times in the Buckeye State, especially when spent exploring one or more of these water spots:

  • Check out these beautiful beaches in Ohio!
  • There’s so much fun in the sun to be had at any of Ohio’s lakeside beaches...
  • or Ohio's swimming holes.
  • If you're looking for beautiful lakes with the added bonus of a soft, sandy beach, you will want to check out these 10 swimming beaches in Ohio, as they have some of the clearest, most pristine water. Not to mention they’re some of our all-time favorite beaches and lakes in the Buckeye State! They just might be some of the best swimming holes and beaches in Ohio and are perfect summer destinations.

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